When I look back at the horror that ended the day, July 14th, it’s almost impossible to believe it started off so well. 

July 14th isn’t just any day in France. It’s French National Day. The country celebrates its special holiday with festive events, family gatherings and oodles of fireworks. This year I traveled out of Uzes to Caromb to visit with friends and to see what we could see of the Tour de France. Caromb is only a short distance away from Mount Ventoux, the twelfth stage of the 2016 race.

Mount Ventoux viewed from Caromb

Crillon de Brave

Photo by Provence Beyond

Parking for Tour de France

Waiting for the cyclists heading up Mount Ventoux

Selling souvenir items from the back of a van along the roadside

When the cyclists were near, a parade of cars — all painted with sponsor’s colors and logos  — appeared first. Then, in what seemed like an instant, the bikers passed en mass.  Over the next few minutes, cars with dozens of bikes perched on racks on top whizzed by.

What fun!

After our quick glimpse of the Tour de France, we returned to Caromb where our friend, Carola, and her new puppy, Fan Fan, were waiting to hear all about our adventure. Carola informed us that she had heard on the radio that the Tour de France leader had been involved in a freak accident. He had lost his bike in the crash and had run in his cleats to win the race. It was an unfortunate turn of events, for sure, but not enough to steal the “buzz” from our wonderful day.

When evening came, we tried out the new restaurant in town then we walked home. On the way we all remarked about the peaceful glow of the moon over the village.

Mount Ventoux viewed from Caromb

Who could have dreamt the moon was shining on a different scene unfolding.

Pray for Nice. Pray for France. Pray for the World.